Thomas Partey Joins Villarreal On Bail Amid Rape Charges

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been allowed to sign for Villarreal CF in Spain after being granted conditional bail over five rape charges and one count of sexual assault involving three women. The 32-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, just four days after officially leaving Arsenal when his contract expired in June.

Partey is accused of two counts of r@pe against one woman, three counts of r@pe against another, and one count of s£xual assault on a third woman. Prosecutors allege the assaults took place between 2021 and 2022, with incidents reported at his Hertfordshire home and during a stay at a Spanish resort.

During the brief hearing, Partey confirmed his name, date of birth, and address. Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward, KC, detailed the allegations, including an incident where one of the complainants was allegedly assaulted at his residence—forced down, kissed, and groped without consent. She noted that the r@pe charges are indictable only, meaning they can only be heard at the Crown Court.

The court granted Partey bail under strict conditions:

He must not contact the complainants.

He must inform authorities of any permanent address changes.

He is required to notify police of international travel, including his pending move to Villarreal.

Partey’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 2, 2025, at the Crown Court.

Outside the courthouse, protesters criticised Arsenal’s handling of the case, holding banners accusing the club of turning a blind eye during the ongoing investigation. One sign read: “Arsenal said: ‘We do the right thing.’ Then did nothing.”

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that the decision to charge Partey came after a “comprehensive review of evidence” collected over a three-year police investigation.

Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said her client “denies all charges” and has cooperated fully with investigators. “He welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name,” she added.

While the legal battle unfolds, Partey is pushing ahead with his transfer to Villarreal, a move that has sparked heated debate over ethics in sports, particularly how top clubs and governing bodies navigate serious criminal allegations involving their player